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Whitworth Teen Wears Green and To Support Ward Where She is a Patient

16-year-old Melissa Sutton is a patient on Ward 84, the regional
centre for the treatment of child and adolescent cancers. The
teenager from Whitworth, Lancashire is supporting Royal Manchester
Children's Hospital Charity's (RMCH Charity's) Be Seen in Green Day
which is raising funds for the ward where she is a patient.

Melissa was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, Ewings
Sarcoma, in October 2014 and since then has been treated at the
hospital. She began intensive chemotherapy in November to shrink
her tumour and stays in hospital for five days every three weeks
while she has her treatment. Melissa has recently undergone major
surgery to remove the affected bones.

Alison, Melissa's mum says: "Royal Manchester
Children's Hospital, and particularly Ward 84, is now like our
second home. It is the best hospital I've ever been to; the staff
are so welcoming and friendly and her consultant is amazing. When
Melissa was first diagnosed I went in to complete shock and it was
scary walking on to the ward and accepting what it means to be
there. But Melissa was calm and since then has faced her diagnosis
and treatment with nothing but positivity and a smile on her
face."

Melissa is a keen supporter of RMCH Charity's Be Seen in Green
campaign which asks people to show their support by wearing green
(the charity's colour) and making a suggested donation of £1. This
year Be Seen in Green, kindly supported by Ryman, is on Friday 3rd
July and is open to schools, organisations, nurseries, social
groups or even just groups of friends and it is really easy to take
part! All that is asked is that participants wear something green
to for the day. Not only will participants directly support the
lives of patients through the funds raised, they will also be
showing your support by donning the colours of the charity for the
day.

This campaign will support children with cancer. Ward 84
is the regional centre for children and young people diagnosed with
cancer. By taking part in Be Seen in Green participants will
make a difference to the lives of these children, by helping to
raise the final £20,000 needed to fund the redevelopment of the
ward.

Currently the ward is quite clinical looking and can feel
intimidating to the patients being cared for. The Charity
aims to create an environment which is bright, friendly and
welcoming and which will provide comfort and distraction and aid
psychological well-being for children suffering from life
threatening diseases and who require long or repeated admissions to
hospital.

Alison adds: "It can be hard enough being a teenager
but being a teenager with cancer is a big deal. The thing I think
Melissa finds hardest is being isolated, particularly when she is
in the bare and clinical hospital environment, as contact with
family and friends has to be minimised due to the risk of
infection. Any improvements to the ward that will make it more
welcoming, provide distraction and help patients - of any age -
face what they have to face, will be invaluable and I can't thank
you enough for your support."

Angela Rowe, Community Fundraising Manager for RMCH Charity
says: "Melissa is a remarkable young lady and we are so
pleased that she is supporting our Be Seen in Green Campaign.
With this year's fundraising day we are looking to secure the final
£20,000 needed to enhance Ward 84, the children's cancer ward where
Melissa is a patient. Dealing with such an illness is challenging
but we want to make life a little easier for our patients by making
their surroundings as engaging and comforting as
possible."

Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity raises funds to
ensure continued excellence in treatment, care and research at the
hospital - improving the lives of thousands of children each year
across the North West and beyond.

The support of the Charity means that the hospital can provide
additional resources that make life easier for patients and their
families who use the hospital.